Somewhere Near Japan

[JeffRetro]

Like a lot of people here, I think this is the last great BB's song (even if Alan didn't realize what "chinese junk" was actually referring to). :-).

As the followup to "Still Cruisin"" it was issued in the U.S. only as a cassette single (Capitol 4JM-44475) with "Kokomo" as the B-side (again).

There were two promotional issues associated with this release, one a double A-sided vinyl 45 (Capitol 7PRO-79841) and a 1-track CD single (Capitol DPRO-79823).

I know that the vinyl 45 features the 4:10 remix/edit on both sides, a further shortened version of which was also used for the video.  But i need to know which versions are on the other two issues - the promo CD single and the commercial cassingle.  My guess is the cassingle features the full LP version and the CD single has the 4:10 remix/edit, but I'd like to know for sure.  Any help greatly appreciated ('cause the cassingle is virtually impossible to find!).  Thanks!

[Rich Panteluk]

Hey JeffRetro,

Love SNJ to!  Great song!

I have the promo cd single (no artwork - front or back liner).  I am at work (and the cd isn't) so I can't post more detailed info - but I can tell you that I'm pretty sure that the cd has TWO tracks.  If I recall correctly the two versions are NOT the album version but the remix and an even shorter remix edit.  I'll check and post definitive info when I get home.

[dogear]

You're right: two versions on the CD
1. Edit
2. LP version

[Christian]

... and the full LP version on the cassette single

[JeffRetro]

Thanks, guys, for all the info.  That was the last info i needed to reconfigure/upgrade/correct my BB's Complete U.S. Singles set. :-)

[donald]

A really good song.  And I intend to put it in a good spot on my summer 09 comp.

Where to put it....where to put it.......where to put it?  Kind of melancholy........I'm leaning to before or after I Can Hear Music...not sure why.....there is a feel to it....

[phirnis]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but I just stumbled upon the song's original version by John Phillips and thought it was quite interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRR9Za258Bw

[buddhahat]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but I just stumbled upon the song's original version by John Phillips and thought it was quite interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRR9Za258Bw

Thanks - I have not listened much to the BB version. Actually thought it was an original!

[ReggieDunbar]

Depends on your definition of original. The version w john phillips is a demo

[phirnis]

On repeated listening I think this is a nice (if somewhat cutesy) song in its own right.

The lyrical allusions to drugs/getting high are rather obvious, however...

[pixletwin]

Sorry but this is one of the most awful lyrics ever presented on a Beach Boys album... I was never aware of the drug references, but the whole song premise is like something out of a bad karaoke video.

Music is ok though.

[oldsurferdude]

Good vocals on this very weak song. Cheesy.

[busy doin nothin]

I'd never listened to "SNJ" before -- can't say I'm impressed.  The last great BB song?  The last BB song I really like, personally, is "I'm So Lonely."  But the last truly great BB song -- taking into account production and arrangement -- is probably "Baby Blue."  Just my $.02.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I've always referred to it as the last halfway decent BB song. Last decent one was probably "Where I Belong" and last classic was... ohhh... "Sail On, Sailor".

[drbeachboy]

Can I ask; How did it take you 22 years after release to listen to this song? I'm not questioning your taste, but you can't get much more basic a song than I'm So Lonely. SNJ is a more complex song with much better vocals, as well.

[bgas]

Can I ask; How did it take you 22 years after release to listen to this song? I'm not questioning your taste, but you can't get much more basic a song than I'm So Lonely. SNJ is a more complex song with much better vocals, as well.

I can't swear that I've heard SNJ either. Not what I'd call one of my favorite releases, or BBs time period; and being the collector I am, odds are I bought it to put it on the shelf for 40 years rather than actually submit my ears to such a lovefest!

[drbeachboy]

How would you know if you never heard it? Honestly, I don't understand the reasoning.

[lance]

I really love that song. But I have to say i really like the BB version better. I can tell that its the same song, but there is so much more going on musically in the BB. I know Melcher Love and Johnston are also credited. I guess this is a song that Id love to be able see the process of how it was transformed to that demo to the released version.

[bgas]

How would you know if you never heard it? Honestly, I don't understand the reasoning.

That's a fair point. I'd answer that, right around 86/87 they really turned me off with some concert performances, and it caused me a bit of trouble, other than the collecting; which swung me more into BW solo territory exclusively for quite a span.So, while it's possible that I heard the song, I have NO recollection of doing so. 

[SloopJohnB]

I think both versions are absolutely great in their own way. The "45" version of the BB's version is probably the "worst", and it's still very good.

I also think I'd read somewhere that Bruce had actually done most of the production work on this song and wasn't credited...

[STE]

How would you know if you never heard it? Honestly, I don't understand the reasoning.

That's a fair point. I'd answer that, right around 86/87 they really turned me off with some concert performances, and it caused me a bit of trouble, other than the collecting; which swung me more into BW solo territory exclusively for quite a span.So, while it's possible that I heard the song, I have NO recollection of doing so. 

Fascinating..

[MBE]

The LP version is the best one. John's is OK it sounds kind of like a renaissance tune but I think Mike and Bruce fixed it up quite a bit.

[BJL]

I've always referred to it as the last halfway decent BB song. Last decent one was probably "Where I Belong" and last classic was... ohhh... "Sail On, Sailor".

Sail on Sailor, really? What about Ding Dang?  What about Shortening Bread?  What about Roller Skating Child!?  I think you may need to get your ears inspected :-)


The weird thing is I can't for the life of me figure out how much of this is sincere and how much is sarcasm...

[Rocker]

So, while it's possible that I heard the song, I have NO recollection of doing so. 

Wish I could say that about "Summer in paradise"

[phirnis]

Last "halfway decent" song the group ever did = Lahaina Aloha (imho)

Last real classic... probably Good Timin'